Why Re-Signing Malcolm Roach Is An Underrated Priority For The New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints have numerous pressing needs heading into the offseason. Top positions on the list include offensive line, pass rusher/edge rusher, off-ball linebacker, safety, and a big-bodied pass catcher. One position that saw tremendous improvement last season was defensive tackle. Last spring, the Saints selected Clemson defensive tackle Bryan Bresee with their first-round pick. This came after the team signed free agents Nathan Shepherd and Khalen Saunders. After poor results by interior defenders in the previous two seasons, New Orleans saw considerably better production in 2023. The club ended only 22nd against the run, which was more of a letdown near the edge.
Only nine of the Saints’ 35 sacks were recorded by their defensive tackles. Interior defenders recorded 21 quarterback hits and 16 tackles for loss. Yes, the numbers are modest, but the position was stronger against the run than the 2022 group and generated some pass rush, albeit much more interior disruption is required. Shepherd and Bresee provided the most of the production from this position. Bresee demonstrated the skills of a potential All-Pro. There was also one tackle who flew under the radar but was having his greatest season before suffering an injury late in the season. He was the sole returning defensive tackle from the 2022 squad and could be an undervalued priority to keep this offseason. Malcolm Roach:
Roach, an undrafted defensive tackle out of Texas in 2020, was a marginal contributor in his first two seasons until playing a career-high 315 snaps in 2022. He was given the opportunity to test the free agent market before finally returning to the Saints last summer. Roach was the sole returning player from a dismal position, therefore nothing was anticipated of him entering 2023. He was a member of a group that was decimated by inside running games in 2022. The Saints finished 24th against the run that season. Defensive tackles made just 13 tackles for loss and 11.5 sacks as a group.
Roach had a solid preseason. He carried that play into the regular season for a New Orleans defense that was among the best in the league during the first half of the season. During the first seven weeks, the Saints allowed only one rushing back to gain more than 60 yards while ranking among the league’s top pass defenses. Malcolm Roach was an integral member of the interior rotation.
While Bresee and Shepherd were the unit’s top players, Roach supplied valuable depth. Unfortunately, a knee injury sustained in Week 12 sidelined him for the final five games of the season. If not for the injury, Roach would have easily surpassed his career high for snaps played. His 38 total tackles were the most in his four-year career, as were his three tackles for loss. He did not record a sack and was only credited with two quarterback hits, but he was able to provide some interior pressure to open up opportunities for his teammates.
Roach stands 6’3″ and weighs 290 pounds. He is a strong player with exceptional leverage. His explosive first step at the snap sends blockers on their heels. He is a powerful player who frequently commands double-team blocking. Roach is a far superior run defender than a pass rusher, and he is the type of player that every club needs.
Roach, 25, will become an unrestricted free agent next month. The Saints really need an improved pass rush. Most expect they would pursue an edge rusher, but they may also add an interior pass rusher to complement Bresee. Malcolm Roach isn’t a difference-maker in the inside pass rush. He is, however, a good run defender who helps to solidify an inside rotation. Roach is not expected to seek a high contract, so the Saints may be wise to make a strong push to re-sign him early this offseason.
Leave a Reply